This is because, according to his agent, Andre Cury, Barcelona had always been the European club he dreamed of joining from Palmeiras.

Estevao desired a move to Barcelona

Apparently, the young player was proposed to the club on four different occasions, but their precarious financial condition prevented any transfer from happening.

“He holds a special love for Barca,” Cury stated.

“Even at 11 years old, it was clear he was unique. He aimed to win the Ballon d’Or, but the circumstances didn’t allow them to invest long-term."

Referencing what could have been for the LaLiga giants, Cury mentioned Lionel Messi and Neymar.

“Imagine that pair. Having both is better than just one," he added. “With Estevao and Lamine, it would have been similar.”

Superior to Endrick and Luis Guilherme

High praise indeed, although it's long been believed that he and his Palmeiras teammates, Endrick and Luis Guilherme, formed a trio of exceptional Brazilian talents destined for the highest levels of football.

The less said about Endrick's transfer to Real Madrid the better.

Since joining Los Blancos, he has played 38 matches over two seasons—rarely completing a full game—and scored just one league goal, one in the Champions League, and five in the Copa del Rey.

Guilherme has had limited success at West Ham. Across 20 appearances in all competitions during the 2024/25 and 2025/26 seasons, he has made sporadic appearances but has yet to register a goal or assist.

In contrast, Estevao has made an impressive start in West London.

Remarkable Premier League goal

His goal against Barcelona was his third in just five Champions League matches, and he added another in two Carabao Cup appearances.

An assist in the English top division complements arguably his second most notable moment in a Chelsea jersey: a last-minute winner against Liverpool that truly announced his arrival on the Premier League stage.

While some might expect more from his 11 league appearances so far, one must consider his age, the pressure he already faces, and the fact that Enzo Maresca frequently adjusts his starting lineup based on Chelsea's upcoming opponents.

Additionally, those 11 matches total just 385 minutes of playtime.

Perhaps even more important than his goals is his overall attacking contribution at Chelsea and how smoothly he has integrated into an already world-class squad currently reigning as world champions.

His shooting accuracy this season stands at a solid 57.1%, with a shot conversion rate of 33.3%.

An 84.5% pass completion rate in the Premier League has gone somewhat unnoticed, while his creation of 10 chances deserves more recognition.

Estevao may not appear particularly muscular at first glance, but he has had no trouble holding off physically stronger defenders while advancing into dangerous areas.

Not afraid to engage physically, he has already received five yellow cards in his 24 appearances for Chelsea and the Brazilian national team, indicating a toughness necessary to fulfill his potential.

Can Estevao secure a place in Brazil's World Cup squad?

For the Selecao, the World Cup awaits at the end of this season, and Brazilians everywhere will be curious if Estevao could become their key player in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

One goal in seven official matches, plus four more in four friendlies for the national team, bodes well for Carlo Ancelotti, as the Italian coach looks to inspire his squad following a disappointing qualification campaign by their standards.

Brazil qualified fifth, tied on points with Paraguay, Uruguay and Colombia, having lost six matches—the most of any of the six teams to reach FIFA's tournament.

Considering Brazil also boasts Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, Rodrygo, Richarlison, Gabriel Martinelli and Joao Pedro among their attacking options, not to mention their strong midfield and defensive depth, their struggles in qualifying seem almost unbelievable.

Indeed, despite their difficulties in qualification, it might be precisely that wealth of talent that limits Estevao's chances of making a significant impact at the World Cup.

If he either misses out entirely or doesn’t play a major role in Brazil’s quest to reclaim football’s top spot, he can certainly use that setback to drive the next phase of his career.

A career that is sure to feature many memorable moments in the years ahead.